Exide secured a waiver last week from its senior lenders through April 12 to extend its global credit facility so it could keep up with debt payments. However, that waiver may jeopardize Exide's NYSE listing, as the company would no longer meet the listing standards required by the exchange.

With operations in 89 countries, Exide provides batteries to a wide range of markets, including batteries for telecommunications systems, railroads, lift trucks, mining vehicles and commercial vehicles, both on the aftermarket and to original-equipment transportation customers.

However, the company has been in financial trouble of late. In its first fiscal quarter of 2002 it lost $7.2 million on revenues of $631.2 million, due to the lagging economy and a change to its accounting methods.